Thank you
As you can see this is not a poem. It is a post to say a big thank you to all of you on WordPress who have visited my site so far and have left so many encouraging comments. I really didn’t believe I could do this whole poetry writing thing and to share it with you all is a privilege.
In the book Alcoholics Anonymous, it is suggested that, in recovery,we can have a life beyond our wildest dreams. This has certainly been the case for me in many aspects of my life, but particularly now, as I am learning to be able to express my thoughts and feelings through poetry and to continue to explore myself and aim toward becoming the person I believe I was meant to be.
Regarding the diagnosis of MS, this was a shock, although I have had progressive, unexplained, symptoms since 2005. However, I can now make so much more sense of the old adage when one door closes another opens. I used to think (rather arrogantly!)that this was quite a cheesy quote, but it is actually true! I don’t think I would have found poetry without this nudge and of course the encouragement of dear friends.
I am also enjoying reading all of your work which, too, gives me great encouragement and it goes without saying I am reading some recommended poetry books and thoroughly enjoying this experience.
It is a new journey of wonder and excitement for me.
So, I would like to wish all of you a very peaceful
and contented Christmas and New Year and I hope
to continue reading your lovely poetry.
Tell me, what is it you intend to do
with your one wild and precious life?
The Summer Day – Mary Oliver
journeyintopoetry 
Dec 12, 2011 @ 14:06:41
You are quite very welcome, Christine and we should thank you for showing us that the door is always open for those that want it.
Thank you, Christine 🙂
Dec 12, 2011 @ 14:17:12
You were quick off the mark Martin!! 🙂
And thank you for this really lovely comment; it has warmed me
Christine
Dec 12, 2011 @ 14:19:47
Hi Christine, you are welcome 🙂 I like your poems, they are very good! So thank you for sharing and thanking us readers and your kind wishes!!
Writing poems is an excellent way to express yourself, and the more life you have lived, with all its ups and downs, the more there is to write about I think. Keep your possitiveness alive! 🙂
I hope you will have a very nice Christmas time as well and that you will enjoy the company of loved ones as much as possible! 😉
Love and a big Xmas hug!
Ina 🙂
Dec 13, 2011 @ 08:49:04
Thank you Ina. This is a lovely comment.
And I am sure you are so right about having more to write about as we continue to experience the ups and downs in life.
I do hope you are blessed with the presence of all your lovely boys at Christmas and, of course, the beautiful little girl experiencing her first Christmas and being blissfully oblivious to it all!!
Love and hugs
Christine
Dec 12, 2011 @ 15:32:27
Christine, what a lovely post, you are part of a new world you have found for yourself, the blogging world.
I like reading your poems i should comment more, but i’m glad if i helped in my own little way.
I think you enjoy reading my LOW level poetry 🙂
Dec 12, 2011 @ 19:19:36
I forgot to say have a lovely xmas and new year 🙂
Dec 13, 2011 @ 08:52:31
🙂 🙂 🙂 x
Dec 13, 2011 @ 08:52:00
Thank you Harry.
And of course you help, in a BIG way!
And I thoroughly enjoy reading everything you write.; You are often the first person to put a smile on my face at the beginning of a new day.
Christine 🙂
Dec 12, 2011 @ 16:58:17
Christine, it is you who are the inspiration. We create our worlds of sharing and I am honoured to be a part of yours; sharing your beautiful poetry. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas, full of light and love.
Much love,
Angela
Dec 13, 2011 @ 08:54:45
Thank you so much Angela.
Your presence in my life is a blessing and I am grateful for it.
Christine
Dec 12, 2011 @ 17:19:56
You are very much welcome, Christine. I enjoy reading your poems. 😀
Dec 13, 2011 @ 08:55:29
Thank you so much
Christine
Dec 12, 2011 @ 19:17:44
Oh Christine, what a lovely message. Your beauty shines throught every word here as it does in all your poetry and reflections. I feel so blessed to have met you over the electronic airways and hope that the healing and love and gentility you send out with every post and comment return to you a thousand fold!
Have a wonderful Christmastide and may all the wealth in your spirit invigorate your physical presence as well. Blessings, hugs and peace!
Dec 13, 2011 @ 08:57:31
Thank you so very much.
Your comment has really touched me; I feel blessed in so many ways.
Blessings, hugs and peace to you too xx
Dec 12, 2011 @ 20:22:55
Dearest Christine, your message is so poignant, as ever, for me and like everyone else here I love your poetry, you are a true inspiration to me. Our external lives are different, we are different, yet we are so similar. The way this ever evolving dynamic process of recovery comes my way I am constantly surprised. Through my darkest times often the greatest brightest miraculous light shines forth and brings me to a new world beyond my wildest dreams. I send you love and immense blessings for Christmas time and the forthcoming year and gratitude for your support especially this past year. Thank you Christine. (-: xx
Dec 13, 2011 @ 09:03:41
Thank you so much, Sophie, for dropping by to leave this lovely comment.
“We are different yet we are so similar” – this is very true! I hope we continue to journey together in our recovery, and I do thank you for visiting here and leaving your thoughtful comments ; they mean a great deal to me.
I know you have been through difficult times of late and you show great strength.
And good luck with those assignments!!
Much love
Christine xx
Dec 13, 2011 @ 01:02:28
Well thank you for your poetry and comments Christine, and I wish you a happy Christmas and New Year – take care. 🙂
Dec 13, 2011 @ 09:04:49
Thank you very much Dennis.
You take care too 🙂
Christine
Dec 13, 2011 @ 02:34:08
Thank you for sharing your work and your process. Poets have to support each other!
Dec 13, 2011 @ 09:06:10
Thank you so much for dropping by to leave this kind comment. It gives me a warm feeling.:)
Christine
Dec 13, 2011 @ 11:48:30
And aren’t His plans always so much better than any you or I might make!! 🙂
David
Dec 13, 2011 @ 12:10:51
Definitely!! 🙂 🙂
xxx
Dec 13, 2011 @ 12:22:13
Christine, I don’t know you but I can see that you are an inspiration to many and your joy, warmth and love for others just shines through. x
Dec 13, 2011 @ 14:23:13
Thank you so much Elizabeth!
Your lovely comment has touched me deeply and is really appreciated
Christine xx
Dec 13, 2011 @ 16:32:37
I think your poetry opens doors for your readers as well as for you. This is a lovely message, and I wish you a peaceful and happy Christmas. Here’s to all that wonderful poetry you’re going to be writing in 2012!
Dec 13, 2011 @ 21:43:26
This is a lovely comment, thank you.
I always appreciate your comments; they are very thoughtful and encouraging
Christine
Dec 13, 2011 @ 23:09:12
Christine, thank YOU so much for being here. You have truly graced us with your presence and your wonderful poetry, and I’m so glad you found that other door that opened for you. Love and blessings to you, during this season of Christmas lights and giving. You have given US much!!
Dec 14, 2011 @ 08:50:52
Betty, thank you so much for this lovely comment. I am deeply moved by it.
I feel I have found a haven of new friends and am truly blessed
Christine
Dec 14, 2011 @ 16:25:14
Thank you for your nice comments and visits, and also for sharing your story and creative poetry. I hope it helps your healing process. Wishing you a very happy holiday season!
Dec 14, 2011 @ 16:29:51
Thank you for this lovely comment.
This is certainly becoming a great avenue of healing for me.
Christine
Dec 15, 2011 @ 08:08:12
Christine, you are a ray of sun..i hope you know it…i hope the people in your life know it is as well…May your body be a source of healing…sending you lots of love and joy! Thank You for feedback and inspiration.
Stay Inspired
Dec 15, 2011 @ 12:15:47
Thank yiou so much for this kind comment.
I really appreciate it very much.
Christine
Dec 15, 2011 @ 18:38:06
Because poetry flows up from our souls, it has amazing healing powers. Not to make light of your illness, but I know from personal experience that writing and reading poetry every day brings amazing strength to handle life’s challenges. And it is WE who should thank YOU for sharing so unselfishly here on this website! Bless you, peace be with you, and may the light everlasting glow healing into your center for all time!
Dec 15, 2011 @ 22:13:37
Thank you so much for this beautiful comment.
I really do appreciate it very much.
Christine
Dec 29, 2011 @ 22:25:00
Hi Christine,
Thankyou! If you had not commented on my poem I might not have had the chance to meet such an inspiring and wonderfully creative person as yourself.
I am so happy for you that you’ve found an outlet within poetry and that it has given you strength and you are enjoying all it has to offer.
I wish you the best of of success in the New Year as you continue to write and share.
I know I’m looking forward to see what you write next.
Your poetry has been an extra little ray of sunshine in my life. 🙂
I hope you’ve had a lovely festive season and that the New Year brings you much hope, peace and joy in all you undertake. 🙂
(((BIG HUGS)))
Tikarma
xoxoxo
Jan 03, 2012 @ 10:21:35
Hi Tikarma,
Thank you for this lovely comment.
To think that my poetry can be “an extra little ray of sunshine” in someone’s life is very heart-warming.
I look forward to all of your lovely poetry and art in the coming year too.
(((BIG HUGS)))
Christine xx
Dec 29, 2011 @ 22:40:16
Christine I have come to your blog via “belfastdavid”. I’m so pleased I did. Your words are warm and wise.
I have both lung and heart disease, so I empathise with the coming to terms and the limitations illness imposes. But I said to a friend the other day “i’m so lucky that many of the thngs I love to do can be done sitting on my bum.”
Poetry has helped me survive much in my life, and now it’s giving me a glimpse into the lives of other poets via the orld of blogging. All the best for the coming year.
Tricia
Dec 29, 2011 @ 22:42:33
orld is a world without a w
Tricia (who should re-read before she hits the post comment button)
Jan 03, 2012 @ 10:30:49
Don’t worry about “orld”!!
Letters are always falling off my words as I can only type these days with one finger on my left hand!!
Christine xx
Jan 03, 2012 @ 10:27:30
Hi Tricia,
Thank you so much for visiting! It is really lovely to meet you.
I’m sorry it’s taken so long to reply but I have had an army of family here in the “sandwich” days between Christmas and New Year including three toddler grandchildren! Whilst it has been lovely it has at the same time been too much and I am left feeling extremely fatigued. I need to take time out for a few days but I am itching to catch up on here too!
I will be along to visit your blog shortly so please bear with me if I don’t get round to it today – I will be there!
Christine xx
Nov 04, 2014 @ 04:46:39
loads of love and hugs
Nov 04, 2014 @ 10:19:54
Thank you very much Tanveer! 😊 x